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Brown v. Board Supreme Court Case
The Brown v. Board Supreme Court case of 1954 unanimously ruled that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. The previous "separate but equal" philosophy was torn down because segregated facilities were never equal. Thurgood Marshall and many others contributed. Chief Justice Warren said, "In the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place." This decision set a precedent for the Civil Rights Movement. -
Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks, a seamstress and activist, sat just behind the "whites only" section on December 1, 1955 on a Montgomery bus. When the bus became full, she was ordered to move for a white passenger. Parks refused and the police were called to warrant an arrest. Upon word of her arrest, other African Americans and civil rights activists in Montgomery organized a boycott of the city's bus system. Rosa Parks is known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" for her courage and dignity. -
Desegregation at Little Rock High School
Nine African American students enrolled in Little Rock Central High with the support of the decision in the Brown v. Board Case. On their first day in September of 1957, the students were faced with a violent white mob. Furthermore, Gov. Faubus blocked the entrance with the National Guard. National attention was drawn and Pres. Eisenhower placed the Arkansas National Guard under federal command to protect the students' rights. Despite attacks, 8 of the 9 students attended for the remaining year. -
Greensboro Four Sit-In
On February 1, 1960, four African American college students staged a sit-in in Woolworth, a popular store in Greensboro. The four students sat together at the "white only" lunch counter and were not served. The police were called, but the four remained. The following day, twelve other protestors joined and six days later the city was filled with thousands of protestors. Despite bomb threats and insults, the Greensboro Four endured and led the way for desegregation in North Carolina. -
Ruby Bridges Attends All White School
Ruby Bridges was the first African American child to attend an all white elementary school in the South. She didn't begin attending until November of 1960 where she was escorted to school by federal marshals. Ruby was met with violent crowds, death threats, and almost no white students because parents had kept them home. Mrs. Henry was the only teacher who agreed to not only teach Ruby, but to help her with the feeling of being ostracized. Ruby attended for the remainder of the year. -
Freedom Riders Leave for Louisiana
The Freedom Riders were groups of white and African American civil rights activists who sought to test the Supreme Court's decision of segregation in transportation facilities to be unconstitutional. The group of 13 riders left on May 4, 1961 and intended to ride from DC to Louisiana. Violence began when the riders attempted to enter white-only areas. Mobs surrounding the bus upon its arrival brought bloodshed, beatings, and arson. The photos of the bloodied riders drew international attention. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington in 1963 was a protest of racial discrimination against African Americans needing jobs. The rally drew more than 260,000 people from across the US. Dr. King gave one of the most famous speeches of the 20th century saying, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." The March on Washington was a final push towards the Civil Rights Act of 1964. -
Birmingham Church Bombing
Birmingham, Alabama was one of the most industrious yet racially discriminatory cities in America. Bombs set off in black homes were common occurrences, but on September 15, 1963, a bomb exploded before services in a black church and four young girls were killed along with countless injured. Thousands of protestors came to the sight of the bombing and the outrage over the fatalities of the girls built support in the battle to end segregation and again lead to the Civil Rights Act. -
Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act Passed
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in any public place and banned employment discrimination. The act led to the Voting Rights Act which prohibited racial discrimination in voting processes. -
Bloody Sunday
In March 1965, activists organized a march for voting rights from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama. Hundreds of people walked silently through the streets, but as they were leaving Selma, hundreds of state troopers ordered them to disperse. After little warning, whips and tear gas were used and 58 people were injured. John Lewis, who suffered a skull fracture, testified saying, "I was hit with a billy club, and I saw the State Trooper that hit me." This day became known as Bloody Sunday. -
DEVELOPMENT: Thurgood Marshall Named Supreme Court Justice
Thurgood Marshall was a key player in the Brown v. Board Supreme Court case which ruled against school segregation. In 1967, Marshall was named as a justice on the Supreme Court, becoming the first African American Supreme Court justice who served until 1991. This development shows changes contrasting one who previously fought for basic rights who then made a breakthrough in American history. Marshall is recognized for his great impact to law before he even became a Supreme Court justice. -
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Assassinated
Dr. King was assassinated by a sniper in the Lorraine Motel in Memphis Tennessee on April 4, 1968 at the age of 39. King was one of the most influential figures of the Civil Rights Movement with his passionate speeches and nonviolent protests. Chaos ensued after his death with hundreds of riots and the nation collectively mourned. MLK's death worked to speed up the legislation for the Fair Housing Act, but his life itself served to leave even more of a legacy. -
DEVELOPMENT: Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Case
In 1971, the Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education case ruled unanimously, supporting programs that worked to integrate races in school busing. Although the Brown v. Board case desegregated schools, many were still segregated because of racially segregated housing zones. This case made a breakthrough, implementing bussing strategies that integrated schools to actually uphold and put into action the previous decision from the 1954 case. The strategies were implemented until late 1900. -
DEVELOPMENT: First African American in Space
Lieutenant Colonel Guion S. Bluford became the first African American to travel into space on August 30, 1983. The Challenger shuttle successfully launched into space, conducted experiments for six days, and landed safely in California. The shuttle mission was the most successful mission to that date. This shows how a man who would have been disregarded in years past accomplish something monumental. -
DEVELOPMENT: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Declared as Federal Holiday
In 1983, President Reagan signed a bill declaring Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. Dr. King was honored for this holiday because of his peaceful protests, strong speeches, and monumental impact in the Civil Rights Movement. In just around 20 years, a man who used to be met with violence was now honored after his passing for being a valiant hero. The holiday shows a change in respect and reminds all of a hero in the midst of an evil time. -
Civil Rights Restoration Act Passed
The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 specified that any program as a recipient of federal funds must follow civil rights laws in all areas. It insured that non-discrimination laws would apply to the entire institutions. Congress overrode President Reagan's veto of the Act in March of 1988. The act shows further change in legislation beyond that passed in the 1960s to make progress towards ending discrimination in all areas. -
DEVELOPMENT: LAPD beats African American and Riots Break Out
In Los Angeles, four police officers were caught on video beating an uncooperative and unarmed African-American motorist after a high-speed chase. The video was released to the press and created national outrage. The officers were charged, but on April 29, 1992, they were found not guilty in court. Riots erupted, 60 people died, 2,000 were injured, and over 3,000 buildings were burned. This event shows how the injustice is not completely irradiated and it foreshadows many similar events to come. -
DEVELOPMENT: Ruby Bridges Foundation Established
After graduating from an integrated high school, Ruby Bridges became a travel agent and married Malcolm Hall with with she had 4 sons. Ruby was inspired to establish her foundation from her own experiences as a child and her involvement in the school system following the murder of her brother. In 1999, her foundation was launched promoting the celebration of differences and the end to prejudice. Ruby made a difference as a kindergartener, but through her foundation, she keeps changing the world. -
DEVELOPMENT: Rosa Parks Receives Congressional Gold Medal
Rosa Parks at the age of 86 was awarded the highest honor a civilian can receive from Congress on June 16, 1999, 44 years after her famous refusal. In her acceptance speech, Parks said, "This medal is encouragement for all of us to continue until all people have equal rights." One who was once arrested and shamed is now honored, showing the progress toward a better tomorrow. -
DEVELOPMENT: Supreme Court Upholds University of Michigan's Policy of Racial Admission
The University of Michigan received two lawsuits concerning their policy which allowed for the consideration of race in admissions. The university claimed they wanted to achieve a diverse student body because "diversity is our strength." The Supreme Court upheld their right 2003 so that students could benefit from racial integration. The struggle to integrate schools in the 1960s and the continued efforts in the 2000s to create a diverse environment show progress that is not complete. -
DEVELOPMENT: First African American elected as U.S. President
November 4, 2008 marked the election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States. His election was a historical breakthrough that was unthinkable in the previous decades. A symbolic racial barrier fell in the evolution of the Civil Rights Movement. After his election, Obama said, "The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep... I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there." -
DEVELOPMENT: MLK Memorial Dedicated
On October 16, 2011, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was dedicated, becoming the first monument on the National Mall honoring an African American. The monument is inscribed with quotes and serves as symbolism for King's life of serving others and fighting for peace and equality. The inscription "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope" shows literally how a stone monument can serve as a reminder and inspiration for what MLK fought for and how far the civil rights struggle has come.
